News for 'health and safety'

Analogue paneer banned in Maharashtra amid health concerns

Analogue paneer banned in Maharashtra amid health concerns

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra government has imposed a one-year ban on the manufacture and sale of "analogue" or non-dairy paneer due to public health concerns and widespread food safety violations. Offenders could face severe penalties, including life imprisonment and hefty fines, for misleading consumers with this lower-nutritional-value substitute.

BRICS Nations Strengthen Health Cooperation Through Digital Innovation

BRICS Nations Strengthen Health Cooperation Through Digital Innovation

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava highlighted the strong health cooperation within BRICS, emphasising the critical role of digital health and artificial intelligence in ensuring continuity of care. Speaking at the 16th BRICS Health Ministers' meeting, she noted shared challenges among member nations and showcased India's advancements in digital health infrastructure and AI strategy.

FDA Cracks Down On Mumbai Clubs For Food Safety Violations

FDA Cracks Down On Mumbai Clubs For Food Safety Violations

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The Maharashtra FDA has suspended the food business licences of five prominent Mumbai clubs, including the Cricket Club of India (CCI) and MIG Cricket Club, due to severe violations of food safety and hygiene norms, such as unsanitary kitchens, pest infestations, improper food handling, and unauthorised catering operations.

HC orders Maha doctors to call off strike immediately, cites patient safety

HC orders Maha doctors to call off strike immediately, cites patient safety

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

The Bombay High Court has ordered resident doctors in Maharashtra to immediately end their strike, which was protesting the registration of homoeopaths under the Maharashtra Medical Council. The court expressed grave concern over patient safety and warned of wage stoppage, leading the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) to agree to call off the protest.

Karnataka halts Amazon, Swiggy, Bigbasket food licences over 'dhatura' sales

Karnataka halts Amazon, Swiggy, Bigbasket food licences over 'dhatura' sales

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Karnataka government has suspended the food licences of Amazon, Swiggy Instamart, and Bigbasket due to the online sale of toxic Dhatura fruits/seeds. Citing public health and food safety concerns, authorities have also ordered the suspension of licences for suppliers to these platforms and mandated the removal of all Dhatura-related listings.

Thane mayor orders tree safety survey post student's death

Thane mayor orders tree safety survey post student's death

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Following the tragic death of a student in Mumbai due to a tree collapse, Thane Mayor Sharmila Pimpalolkar has mandated a city-wide safety survey of dangerous trees. The survey will cover schools, colleges, housing societies, hospitals, and major traffic junctions, with a focus on identifying and addressing unstable trees and branches to prevent future incidents, especially during the monsoon season.

Climate Change Threatens World Cup Match Safety

Climate Change Threatens World Cup Match Safety

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

A World Cup game between Paraguay and France in Philadelphia is at risk due to extreme heat and humidity, linked to climate change and fossil fuel use. A heat dome over the U.S. and Canada has pushed temperatures beyond safe play recommendations, raising concerns about player safety and future tournament scheduling.

7-yr-old boy 'with fever' dies at Maha ashram school; 26 hospitalised

7-yr-old boy 'with fever' dies at Maha ashram school; 26 hospitalised

Rediff.com5 days ago

A 7-year-old student at a residential school in Palghar, Maharashtra, has died from high fever and breathing difficulties, leading to the hospitalisation of 26 other students with similar symptoms. This incident follows recent deaths of tribal girls in another Maharashtra ashram school due to snakebite, highlighting ongoing concerns about student safety and health in such facilities.

Junk food to paper leaks: HC takes up Gen Z, Alpha, Beta challenges

Junk food to paper leaks: HC takes up Gen Z, Alpha, Beta challenges

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Rajasthan high court, Jodhpur, has taken suo motu cognisance of issues concerning Gen Z, Gen Alpha and Gen Beta, expressing concern over junk food, excessive screen time, paper leaks, inadequate infrastructure in rural schools and the possible erosion of basic learning skills in the age of artificial intelligence.

Liquor ban row: TN orders strict quality checks at distilleries

Liquor ban row: TN orders strict quality checks at distilleries

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Tamil Nadu government has mandated stringent quality testing across all distilleries in the state to ensure alcohol content compliance. This decision follows public concern over the temporary ban and swift clearance of products from a private manufacturer, Enrica Enterprises, by the state's liquor monopoly, TASMAC. The move aims to address suspicions and ensure public safety regarding alcoholic beverages.

'You need to suffer': HC denies relief to Thane eatery against FDA action

'You need to suffer': HC denies relief to Thane eatery against FDA action

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

The Bombay high court has taken a firm stance against a Thane restaurant, denying relief and criticising it for serving banned analogue paneer, underscoring the critical importance of food safety and consumer rights in Maharashtra.

Mundhe urges people not to buy loose edible oil

Mundhe urges people not to buy loose edible oil

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has urged consumers to avoid buying loose or unsealed edible oil due to safety concerns, announcing a compliance order for the entire edible oil sector after detecting widespread violations, including adulteration and improper packaging.

3 newborns killed in Maha govt hospital fire, 36 rescued; probe ordered

3 newborns killed in Maha govt hospital fire, 36 rescued; probe ordered

Rediff.com5 days ago

The incident, which occurred early Monday morning, was reportedly caused by a sparking ventilator.

Is Your Office Making You Sick?

Is Your Office Making You Sick?

Rediff.com5 days ago

From the air we breathe to the surfaces we touch, our everyday workplace can quietly influence both our physical and mental wellbeing, warns Dr Vikram Vora.

Pak top court orders Imran Khan be moved to hospital from jail

Pak top court orders Imran Khan be moved to hospital from jail

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Pakistan's Supreme Court has ordered the transfer of incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan to a private hospital for a medical examination concerning an eye ailment. This directive comes despite jail authorities claiming his eyesight was "almost normal," following petitions from his legal team expressing dissatisfaction with government hospital treatment.

Many hospitalised after chlorine gas leak at Nagpur water plant

Many hospitalised after chlorine gas leak at Nagpur water plant

Rediff.com6 days ago

The gas spread to nearby residential areas, triggering panic. Many people experienced coughing and difficulty in breathing, it said.

One Hospitalisation Can Ruin Your Retirement Goals

One Hospitalisation Can Ruin Your Retirement Goals

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

If you do not insulate your retirement corpus from the true cost of modern critical care, you don't have a retirement plan -- you have a fragile strategy waiting for an expensive medical emergency to break it

Javed Miandad breaks down while pleading for Imran Khan's release

Javed Miandad breaks down while pleading for Imran Khan's release

Rediff.com1 days ago

Javed Miandad broke down while pleading for Imran Khan's release, defending his former captain as honest and urging authorities to resolve his imprisonment amid growing health concerns.

'Don't you want people to be healthy?': SC slams FSSAI over packaged food warning labels

'Don't you want people to be healthy?': SC slams FSSAI over packaged food warning labels

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

The top court was hearing a PIL of public charitable trust 3S and Our Health Society seeking directions to the Centre, states and Union territories to implement mandatory front-of-package warning labels (FOPL) on packaged foods.

After Maha, Gujarat bans analogue paneer, cheese, butter

After Maha, Gujarat bans analogue paneer, cheese, butter

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

The Gujarat government has imposed a state-wide ban on the production, transportation, and sale of unstandardised analogue paneer, cheese, and butter. Citing public health concerns and the need to protect consumers and the dairy sector, the decision follows detections of substandard artificial dairy products during inspections. Legal action will be taken against violators.

Ambulance to reach highway accident spot in 10 minutes, hospital in 1 hour

Ambulance to reach highway accident spot in 10 minutes, hospital in 1 hour

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has introduced stringent new policy guidelines, mandating ambulances deployed on national highways to reach accident sites within a 10-km radius in 10 minutes and transfer victims to the nearest hospital within one hour, with penalties for non-compliance.

Why Every Family Needs Health Corpus

Why Every Family Needs Health Corpus

Rediff.com19 May 2026

'Healthcare costs in India rise by 10 to 14% annually, causing treatment costs to double roughly every 5-7 years.'

'Trying to kill him': Imran Khan's sons raise alarm

'Trying to kill him': Imran Khan's sons raise alarm

Rediff.com2 days ago

Imran Khan's sons, Suleiman and Kasim Khan, alleged in a Sky Sports interview that there is a "blatant" attempt to kill their father in prison, describing his conditions as severely worsened and isolating.

SHANTI Rules Boost Nuclear Investment

SHANTI Rules Boost Nuclear Investment

Rediff.com6 days ago

The rules require nuclear plant operators to maintain an insurance policy, financial security or a combination of both to cover civil liability for nuclear damage.

'Cockroaches, larvae': Maha FDA cracks down on Blinkit, Reliance Retail

'Cockroaches, larvae': Maha FDA cracks down on Blinkit, Reliance Retail

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra FDA has taken action against Blink Commerce, suspending its food licence due to severe hygiene issues including cockroach infestation. Separately, Reliance Retail is under investigation after a complaint of live larvae in a sweet product, highlighting increased enforcement of food safety standards across the state.

Infosys arm chief Lax Gopisetty missing in Nepal flash-floods

Infosys arm chief Lax Gopisetty missing in Nepal flash-floods

Rediff.com1 days ago

Infosys has confirmed that Lax Gopisetty, chief of its subsidiary Infosys Public Services, is unreachable following devastating floods in Nepal. Gopisetty was visiting the region personally, and Infosys is working with agencies and his family to ensure his safety. The Ministry of External Affairs also reported hundreds of Indians missing or stranded due to the floods, with India offering assistance to Nepal.

Maharashtra: Ayurvedic drug makers under FDA radar

Maharashtra: Ayurvedic drug makers under FDA radar

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cancelled the licences of 10 Ayurvedic drug manufacturing units and issued show-cause notices to 135 others following inspections that revealed serious violations including unhygienic conditions, lack of technical staff, and inadequate testing protocols.

'I Don't Know Anything': Sarfaraz on Imran Interview Row

'I Don't Know Anything': Sarfaraz on Imran Interview Row

Rediff.com1 days ago

A controversy overshadowed Pakistan's Lord's Test after reports emerged of the PCB threatening to boycott the match if Sky Sports aired an interview with Imran Khan's sons. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed denied any knowledge of such a threat, despite the interview being broadcast and the team returning to play. The incident highlights the political tensions surrounding Imran Khan's imprisonment impacting the cricket team.

Unable to find Old Monk rum in stores? This is why

Unable to find Old Monk rum in stores? This is why

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Several popular rum and whisky brands, including variants of Old Monk Rum and McDowell's No 1, have been prohibited from sale after laboratory tests found their samples did not conform to prescribed standards, primarily due to the addition of artificial flavouring substances.

Rats, cockroaches found in 6 Mumbai restaurants, FDA suspends licences

Rats, cockroaches found in 6 Mumbai restaurants, FDA suspends licences

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food business licences of six restaurants and eateries in Mumbai, including a posh establishment in Nariman Point. The action followed raids that uncovered unhygienic kitchens, expired stock, misbranded products, and pest infestations. The FDA also seized banned food items and made arrests during a wider statewide enforcement drive, vowing continued strict action.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino hits back at World Cup critics, accusing them of spreading 'hate and false narratives'

FIFA President Gianni Infantino hits back at World Cup critics, accusing them of spreading 'hate and false narratives'

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has strongly defended the recent World Cup, accusing critics of spreading 'hate and false narratives' and overlooking the tournament's success in promoting unity, safety, and inclusion.

J'khand recruitment exam scam: Student leader on hunger strike hospitalised

J'khand recruitment exam scam: Student leader on hunger strike hospitalised

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

A student leader, Rahul Kranti, on a hunger strike against alleged irregularities in Jharkhand's recruitment examinations, was admitted to Ranchi Sadar Hospital after his health deteriorated. The protest, now in its 14th day, has drawn attention from political leaders, including Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi and Health Minister Irfan Ansari, who visited the hospitalised students. Protesters are demanding cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand PSC Civil Services Examination and comprehensive reforms in state recruitment bodies.

Bihar Prohibition Fails To Curb Crime Against Women

Bihar Prohibition Fails To Curb Crime Against Women

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

'The prohibition regime has been accompanied by concerns regarding the expansion of the illicit liquor trade, increased enforcement challenges and corruption, and the growing use of alternative intoxicants, including illicit drugs.'

Why Nobody Cares About Building Toilets

Why Nobody Cares About Building Toilets

Rediff.com4 days ago

We raid restaurants for cockroaches but never raid the roadside. Public hygiene runs entirely on faith and fumes. Even after so many years of being a free nation, points out Binu Alex.

Are These 7 Dangerous Food Items In Your Kitchen?

Are These 7 Dangerous Food Items In Your Kitchen?

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Many of us consume genetically modified (GMO) foods without even realising it. Which leads to an important question -- how can we protect ourselves from food adulteration and misleading claims? asks Nikita Garg, nutritionist and founder of Entech Wellness.

Can Ozempic-Like Drugs Lead To Hair Loss?

Can Ozempic-Like Drugs Lead To Hair Loss?

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Although absolute risk is low, awareness of the potential effect may help inform shared treatment decisions.

Odisha Man, With Mental Health Issues, Kills Two

Odisha Man, With Mental Health Issues, Kills Two

Rediff.com13 May 2026

A 28-year-old man with mental health issues allegedly killed two people with a sharp weapon in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district.

How India Is Leading The Way In Health AI Benchmarking

How India Is Leading The Way In Health AI Benchmarking

Rediff.com8 May 2026

India has launched an open Health AI benchmarking platform to evaluate artificial intelligence models on diverse Indian datasets before deployment at a population scale. The initiative aims to strengthen AI-driven claims management under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).

Assam: Food Stall Inside Public Toilet Triggers Outrage

Assam: Food Stall Inside Public Toilet Triggers Outrage

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

The unusual location of the food stall has fuelled public concern over compliance with food safety and sanitation norms.

India Will Become A Leader In Applied AI: Nilekani

India Will Become A Leader In Applied AI: Nilekani

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

'Applying AI to change the lives of Indians and at population scale -- just like we did with DPI [digital public infrastructure] -- is really where it's going to go.'